I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7
Vietnamese Christians (2002)
Worshippers Gassed
One December Sunday in 2002, over a hundred Christians in the Huoi Huong hamlet, Lai Chau Province, Vietnam, were gathered for worship. To their shock and amazement they were suddenly raided by the police and ordered to leave; they refused to do so, asserting their right to worship in freedom. The police responded by releasing gas into the congregation. Within moments most of the Christians were unconscious. Four small children died and three pregnant women lost their unborn babies. The entire congregation had to be taken to hospital.
This heartless attack is an example of the lengths to which the Vietnamese authorities will go to in their efforts to eliminate Christianity in tribal areas. Other acts of intimidation have included killing pastors, closing churches and imprisoning church leaders.
Watch O Lord, with those who wake,
or watch, or weep tonight, and give your
angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
Shield your joyous ones.
And for all your love’s sake. Amen.
Augustine of Hippo (354-430)